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Post by kunuma on Nov 26, 2009 20:39:06 GMT 1
OK help - I need some ideas/advice - the place it looks like I am going to has nowhere for cats, they cannot be outside even if I wanted to risk it and I am going to have to put up something for them, it will have to be divisible into two as they hate each other. As per previous posts have been down the road of rescue groups etc, and the only alternative now is this sort of life or none at all, so I know it is not ideal by any means. I've looked at purpose built wooden catteries, and they look so fragile, and not in the least warm - though I have never tried to keep a cat in one before. I have been wondering whether it would be better to get a big shed and convert it inside. The building will have to be very secure because of the landlords' dogs. Ideas - thoughts??
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Post by zoe on Nov 27, 2009 18:55:05 GMT 1
Converting a shed sounds like a good idea, you could always build a wire mesh run for them to go outside. So does this mean you have found a new place?
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Post by garej on Nov 27, 2009 21:09:05 GMT 1
Lindee Lu cat shelters are quite sturdy, and several catteries use them. The most important thing is that they are on a firm base, preferably on concrete. However they can be expensive. www.lindee-lu.co.uk/As zoe said, I know two of our Cats Protection fosterers, house a cat in their (garden) shed. The only thing is that I would suggest is that a) anything dangerous, eg garden implements must be cleared out in case they hurt themselves. Giving it a good clean in case there is contamination on the walls (eg from weedkiller) is a good idea b) that the window could be an issue. Cats may need ventilation, and sometimes a garden shed is inadequate. You need to cover the window with wire mesh (make sure that the holes are very tightly wound together - small enough that a cat cannot get it's paw through and injure itself). Sometimes, a solidarity window is not enough ventilation. c) Heat. Sheds (and even outside cat pens) are very cold, especially in the winter. If you have mains electricity and there is plugs, then I would use an electric heat pad underneath the bed. Human heaters, such as electric radiators can pose a fire hazard, especially in a wooden shed. Heat pads (such as the link below) have special things so that they dont overheat. Again, with the human heaters, there would be the issue of ventilation, which this would not be with an electric heat pad. www.amazon.co.uk/ELECTRIC-WINTER-NIGHTS-RECOVERING-ARTHRITIS/dp/B001JATOFM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1259350858&sr=8-4If you do not have any electric (and there is no way you can get them) then use a cat safe microwaveable heat pad. Obviously, you would have to heat it every night, but it would provide warmth. www.amazon.co.uk/Snuggle-Safe-Microwave-Heatpad-Warmer/dp/B0014LJKUA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=garden&qid=1259350858&sr=8-3d) Actual size. If converting a shed, how big would the sleeping quarters be? A small shed would probably be inadequate, as due to the Animal Welfare Act it is an offence to keep any animal in too small quarters. That could potentially be an visit from the RSPCA. A minimum size should be at least 0.46m x 0.46 m - that is each not for both cats. The bigger the shed the better. e) The flooring and makeup of the quarters. If converting a shed, check that the woodwork of the walls is in good condition. Rotting wood can be a danger (splinters etc). If a cat does spray then that can rot the woodwork, meaning that he could escape. Wooden sheds can also potentially let the elements in. Purpose built cat quarters have a plastic coating - meaning that it protects the wood, and also is far easier to clean. Flooring does need to be looked at too. Again, wooden flooring can be a danger. Siting the shed on concrete also means that it is more safe for the cat, but also makes it far easier to clean. However, concrete can be too hot in the summer - too cold in the winter. Providing a raised bed and a warm (if winter) heat pad will help tons. Purpose built cat pens have raised sleeping areas and are covered in an easy clean surface - thus eliminating that problem. I know it is a lot to think about, and I have not covered the issue of outside space, but there is a few things to think about.
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Post by Claire on Nov 28, 2009 2:05:50 GMT 1
Hi kunuma definitely going to PM you shortly have been very busy the last couple of days. Hope to talk to you on the chat room Sat night?
I think it would be a lot easier if you could get them to live together. They may hate each other now but usually most cats adapt to others eventually, (tho not all!)
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Post by kunuma on Nov 28, 2009 19:31:08 GMT 1
Thanks very much for the info garej, very useful - I rather fell for the palatial one with a covered run they were showing, see what you mean about the price though - £3000!! I'm thinking I'd have to start my own branch of the Cats Protection to justify it! I'm wondering whether a big shed which I could put a division across so that she doesn't get out when the door is open would be the best idea. I'd put a little house in her bit so she had a warm place, and things for her to climb up on.
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Post by garej on Nov 29, 2009 0:45:24 GMT 1
I'm wondering whether a big shed which I could put a division across so that she doesn't get out when the door is open would be the best idea. I'd put a little house in her bit so she had a warm place, and things for her to climb up on. That sounds ideal, provided you take care of the window issue and that the floor is generally sound. I would provide lots of toys (even if she has not shown any interest in them in the past) and a scratching post. I say that the small wire mesh because larger holes mean that they could potentially get their paws trapped and cause a nasty injury!
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Post by Claire on Nov 29, 2009 15:56:48 GMT 1
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Post by garej on Nov 29, 2009 19:00:11 GMT 1
Just a note as mine are indoors only due to their FIV. Tigger has only spent her first two years outside, whereas Pickle (aged 11) has only spent a year inside. Pickle considering he is old, is no longer bothered by the outside any more - I think he prefers the comfort of a home. He never bothers about the outside or takes any interest in an open window.
Tigger is the one that I have to watch - twice this year she has climbed onto the windowsill whilst the windows have been open - and she would go outside if she could. So yes, they adapt to being indoors only cats after being outside - you do have to watch the windows in the summer. The cataire idea is a good one, though if you are renting you do have to be careful in case you do break your tenancy.
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Post by Claire on Nov 30, 2009 0:01:28 GMT 1
The cataire window things come with different sorts of fixing. There are some that you screw in but you can also use the velcrose type option which doesn't damage the windows. Thats what I used when I was renting. They are surprisingly secure altho its not advisable to go out and leave them unsupervised. I had mine on the window of a very sunny bedroom and the cats would spend hours lying on the windowsill in the sun getting fresh air. The only thing is you have to put them together yourself which is a bit of a problem if you are not very handy!
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